By Bejay Browne
BREAST cancer campaigners, wearing pink and sporting an ‘outside bra’, will walk in Paphos on Saturday to raise awareness and raise funds for a local charity.
The 30-minute walk is being held in support of Archangel Michael hospice in Mesa Chorio, and will set off from Dreamwater dry massage spa in Kissonerga at 10 am, down towards Potima Bay and back.
“As October is breast cancer awareness month, I wanted to organise something which is suitable for most people to take part. We’re expecting people of all ages and nationalities and we hope to get around one hundred or more people to join us,” said organiser Gina Ghillyer who has been a campaigner for breast cancer awareness in Cyprus for more than a decade.
“We want people to decorate their bras and there will be a prize for the best decorated or ornate bra worn. This is a fun way to raise awareness of a serious issue.”
Ghillyer, along with Louisa van Rooij, were instrumental in putting together the world’s longest bra chain in Paphos a number of years ago, winning a place in the Guinness Book of Records. The campaign raised awareness about breast cancer and highlighted the need for early detection. The chain was made up of 114,782 bras, said Ghillyer, and until recently, Cyprus held the title for the world’s longest bra chain in the world.
The pair went on to work on a ground-breaking medical alert service called the Sunflower SMS campaign; a two-way free SMS system alerting women to remind them when it’s time for their anti-cancer check-ups.
Part of the road in Kissonerga where the ‘Making strides against breast cancer’ walk will take place, is undergoing road works and despite the best efforts of Kissonerga community leader George Stylianou to get the public works department to finish the work in time, it won’t be finished, she said.
However, the campaigner said that Phoenix ambulance service will be at the event and a number of volunteers in fluorescent jackets will ensure walkers move safely along a dangerous bend in the road.
One participant, who will be wearing a bra outside his clothes, has also raised 250 euros by selling copies of a photo of him to family and friends, said Ghillyer.
“He is doing this in memory of his wife who died of breast cancer last year. Many of the people walking have been touched by cancer in some way, either personally or through family members or friends.”
People wanting to join the walk will be asked for a three euro donation which will also entitle them to free refreshments at the end of the walk.
“All of the money collected will go towards the upkeep of the hospice, they are now taking patients and offer free treatment for everyone.”
Supporters will also be able to buy tickets for a reduced rate barbeque lunch with wine at SeaYou Beach Bay at Potima in Kissonerga.
The hospice, which opened in June, offers palliative and respite care to anyone in need, regardless of the nature of the illness, the patient’s religion or nationality. This includes people with cancer and other serious illnesses, such as motor neuron disease, heart failure and end-stage respiratory and kidney disease.
Archangel Michael is the second hospice to open in the area: the Friends Hospice in Paphos opened in 2006 and is financed almost completely by fund raising events, income from their charity shops and donations. The hospice also provides palliative and respite care for people suffering with life-limiting illnesses, and their families. It is housed in a dedicated six-bed wing at St George’s Polyclinic in Paphos.
For information call Gina 99 55 39 33, or the Dreamwater lounge on 26 940 842
